Kickboxer Rico Verhoeven has LOST his appeal against the result of his thrilling clash with Oleksandr Usyk.
Verhoeven was stopped in the 11th round of his heavyweight world title fight against boxing great Usyk last month. However, the fight was halted AFTER the bell had sounded for the end of the session, while Verhoeven was ahead on one of the judges' scorecards.
The Dutchman immediately filed an appeal but has been told that while the bell did sound before the referee waved off the fight, and that he showed no sign of confusion, the commission does not believe either factor affected the result of the contest.
In a statement, Verhoeven said: "On May 24, we filed a formal protest because we genuinely believed there was a serious question around the way the fight was stopped. On June 16, we received the commission’s decision.
"The ruling confirmed that the bell ending round 11 had already sounded before the referee physically waved off the fight. The ringside doctor also confirmed that I showed no signs of confusion or disorientation after the bout. The commission’s view was that none of those findings changed the outcome. For me, the conclusion is actually very simple. Let’s finish the story and give the fans that immediate rematch!"
More to follow...
